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Unity Bank Continues to Operating on Improved Key Performance Indicators
In its FYE 2020 audited results releases recently, Unity Bank posted reports that shows stronger and growing fundamentals across major indices and key performance indicators that alludes to healthy growth of its balance sheet on a consistent basis. The top-line performance was driven by improvement in net interest income margins which reported 16% growth. The Bank recorded Assets Growth of 67.90% to N492.02 Billion, and Gross Earnings of N42.71 Billion within the year under review. The Bank substantially grew its customers’ deposit portfolio to N356.62 billion, up from N257.69 billion in the corresponding period of 2019, representing a 38.4% growth. This affirms positive market uptake of the Bank’s product offerings, as well as the lender’s growing customer base to its recent aggressive push with agile customer-centric products, which has played a role in deepening financial services penetration especially to a wider world, underserved spectrum of the retail market.Other major highlights of the audited financial statement relate to growth in its net operating income which rose to N25.46 billion from N23.21 billion in the corresponding period of 2019, representing a 9.71% increase. This is even as the net interest income recorded a significant jump, as it rose by 7.60% to N17.75 billion from N16.49 billion in the corresponding period of 2019. Earnings per Share closed at 17.85 Kobo. Similarly, in the Bank’s unaudited Q1, 2021 results submitted to the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Friday, the retail lender’s Profit Before Tax grew by 43% to N784.3 million from N550.1 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2020.The Profit After Tax for the period which also grew by 43% stood at N721.5 million compared to the N506, 07 million recorded in Q1 2020.On the liquidity position, the Q1 2021 results recorded cash and balances with the Central Bank well above the threshold 27.5%, having posted a 326% increase to close at N111.2bn from 26.1bn in the corresponding period of 2020. This is even as the lender also grew customer deposits by 13% to N348.3 billion from N308.8 billion in the period under review, a strong indication of the growing popularity and acceptance of the Bank’s array of innovating products and services.As an outcome of increased focus on supporting local enterprises and industry, the asset column also showed a significant growth in loan portfolio of 76% as net loans and advances to customers increased to N223.2 billion from N126.6 billion in the corresponding period, with total assets for the period growing by 42% to close at N521. billion from N366.8 billion in the corresponding period of 2020.The Bank has been pushing transformation initiatives spearheaded by the new management. This is a strategic approach targeted at the youth market through several products such as the launch of omni-channel internet and life-style mobile application which is flagship UniFi, Multi-lingual USSD *777999# service which enables young people to bank, shop and interact. There is also the Corpreneurship Challenge, which is a pioneer initiative by the Bank targeted to drive entrepreneurship capacity of young graduates completing their national youth service.Unity Bank continues to build a valuable franchise in its agribusiness, the Bank has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting agricultural businesses over the past five years. The Bank has broken new grounds by partnering with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria to deliver the long-held objective of ensuring self-sustainability in rice production pushed by the Federal Government of Nigeria. This partnership has led to a reasonably high level of output in rice production, placing Nigeria on a path to self-sufficiency in rice production. The partnership with the rice farmers have so far generated no fewer than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs and led to the cultivation of over 1 million hectares of farmland, across 26 States, producing no fewer than 2 million metric tonnes of rice this wet season alone.The Bank is consolidating on the gains from its core business areas and niche in the agribusiness sector. The Bank has solidly financed over one million farmers over the past three years. These farmers cut across several primary crop production such as rice, maize, cotton, wheat, sorghum, etc coupled with their rich value chains, and it hopes to continue to expand on this as its play its role in driving the country’s quest for self-sufficiency in food production. The Bank is consolidating on the gains from its core business areas and niche in the agribusiness sector. The Bank has solidly financed over one million farmers over the past three years. These farmers cut across several primary crop production such as rice, maize, cotton, wheat, sorghum, etc coupled with their rich value chains, and it hopes to continue to expand on this as its play its role in driving the country’s quest for self-sufficiency in food production.The Executive Management with full cooperation of the Board sold its NPL, a move that reflect the bold initiative of the new team to settle the issue of legacy loans once and for all and refocus the bank to leverage resources that will bring about top line performance by optimizing our technology, digital platforms and focusing our people on targeted opportunities across regions to deliver operational efficiency and improved customer service. With the de-risking of the balance sheet, the Bank has turned the corner, currently posting near zero percent NPL ratio along with the enhanced credit management process. Market analysts believe that the thorough diagnostics of the Bank as well as the bold, firm and strategic action by the new Board & Management to eliminate the drag on the Bank in the form of huge legacy non-performing loans remain a feat that will set the Bank up on the path of strong and sustainable growth and profitability. The Bank has continued to hone initiatives aimed at getting rid of inefficient operating structure which manifested in excessive costs, poor branch spread and inadequate application of technology amongst others. Despite the capital base, the efforts put in to revamp the institution has resulted in a leaner, smarter and dynamic Bank with a healthy Balance Sheet. Furthermore, with the progress being made on the ongoing capital raising, the Bank is firmly on course to achieving sustainable growth and sound performance.On capital raising, although the global pandemic delayed the capital raising process, the exercise is well on course. There is a clear process around capital injection which would be made public in due course.
Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of its Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary, marking a pivotal achievement in the Group’s Pan-African expansion strategy.The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, is expected to attract senior government officials and regulators from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, continental business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community, highlighting the strategic economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.The new subsidiary, licensed in December 2025 by the Ministry of Finance and Budget, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and regulated by the UMOA Banking Commission, will commence operations from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan.The launch represents a strategic move to deepen the Bank’s presence in Francophone West Africa and strengthen financial intermediation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Positioned as a gateway for cross-border trade and investment, Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire will focus on corporate banking, trade finance, local and offshore banking services, and structured financial solutions tailored to businesses operating across Africa and internationally.Commenting on the launch, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “From the very beginning, our Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia CFR, set out to build a truly global brand with a strong presence across Africa and key international markets. The launch of Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire is a bold step in realising that vision; opening a strategic corridor into Francophone West Africa and reinforcing our commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent. As we continue to expand thoughtfully and strategically, we remain focused on delivering world-class banking solutions that connect African businesses to global opportunities.”The new subsidiary will be headed by MD/CEO Mr. Cédric Tano, a seasoned banking executive with over two decades of experience. Speaking ahead of the official opening, he said “We are proud to establish Zenith Bank’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire at a time of strong economic growth in the country and increasing regional integration. Our focus is to showcase the Zenith brand as a customer-centric institution that combines global best practices with deep local insight. We are well positioned to support businesses with innovative financing solutions, facilitate cross-border trade, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Ivorian economy and the wider WAEMU region.”The Côte d’Ivoire launch forms part of Zenith Bank’s broader continental growth strategy. In addition to the Anglophone countries where it currently operates, and in line with the expansion into the Francophone market, the Bank has commenced its entry process into the CEMAC (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) region, with Cameroon as the focal point. With a footprint already spanning Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, and China, Zenith Bank continues to bridge African markets with global opportunities, enabling seamless trade and financial connectivity across the continent and beyond.
Founded in 1990, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a consistent track record of strong financial performance. For 16 consecutive years, the Bank has held the record of highest Tier-1 capital in the Nigerian banking industry. Built on the foundation of People, Technology, and Service, Zenith Bank continues to deliver innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. Its performance has earned it numerous local and international recognitions and endorsements.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is pleased to announce the 9th edition of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, scheduled to hold from Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, at GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.Geographic Reference
This year’s theme, “Everything Food and Drink,” captures the expansive nature of the Festival experience. It reflects not only the variety of cuisines on display but also the depth of stories behind them. Over the years, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival has grown far beyond a seasonal celebration to become a culturally significant platform where food and drink serve as a meeting point for storytelling, innovation, and opportunity. The Festival will feature 204 free retail stalls, showcasing the rich diversity and creativity of our food culture; from time-honoured traditional dishes preserved across generations, to bold contemporary interpretations of global cuisine, creating space for every flavour, every technique, and every craving to find expression.
Visitors can expect a rich programme featuring interactive masterclasses, live culinary demonstrations, food and wine tastings, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing small and medium-scale food businesses alongside established culinary brands. In addition to its wide range of food and drink offerings, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a well-equipped play area and a variety of engaging activities for children, ensuring an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 edition, the Group Chief Executive Officer of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, emphasized the Festival’s continued evolution as both a cultural and economic enabler: “The GTCO Food and Drink Festival has, over the years, become a living expression of what we stand for as an institution: innovation, opportunity, and enterprise that is accessible to all. What makes this platform special is not just its scale, but its humanity. It brings together people from different walks of life around something universal—food and drink—and in doing so, it breaks barriers and builds connections that extend far beyond the event itself.”
Since inception, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival has positioned itself as one of Africa’s most prominent culinary gatherings, attracting participation from across Nigeria and increasingly from the wider continent and diaspora.
Admission remains free and open to all, reaffirming the Festival’s commitment to accessibility as a consumer-focused event that brings people together through food, drink, culture, and enterprise.
For more information on the event, please visit: https://foodanddrink.gtcoplc.com
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG) to advance the aviation sector in Nigeria and across Africa by both organisations.
The agreement was formally executed by Mr. Christian Hatje, Managing Director, Business Aviation and SVP Commercial, representing AFG; and Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director and Chief Operations and Information Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc at a signing ceremony in Germany recently.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Christian Hatje stated, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to Africa’s aviation future. Partnering with Fidelity Bank, Nigeria’s leading aviation financier, we are confident in our ability to structure solutions that will drive meaningful growth across the sector.”
Through this partnership, both institutions will work closely to identify, finance, and grow aviation opportunities across the continent. The collaboration aims to provide innovative leasing and financing solutions that support airlines, aviation operators, and related stakeholders in expanding capacity, modernizing fleets, and strengthening operational and fleet efficiency.
“Fidelity Bank remains dedicated to supporting the aviation industry through tailored financial solutions. Our collaboration with AFG strengthens our capacity to provide sustainable financing that will contribute to the expansion of aviation in Nigeria and across Africa,” explained Mr. Stanley Amuchie.
This partnership reflects a shared vision to foster long-term development, stimulate investment, and create sustainable opportunities within the African aviation industry.
Nigeria remains a strategic hub for aviation development in Africa. By combining AFG’s leasing expertise with Fidelity Bank’s deep sector knowledge and financial strength, the partnership is positioned to unlock new growth pathways and enhance the sustainability of the aviation ecosystem.
This collaboration in Africa forms part of AFG’s broader global portfolio expansion strategy, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to structured aviation investments across multiple international markets.
Fidelity Bank is regarded as a market-leader in the Nigerian aviation industry with a long list of interventions across the value chain. Its aviation finance solutions support aircraft acquisition and leasing, route expansion, aviation infrastructure development, cargo and export enablement; and partnership structures for large projects.
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